The Black Sticks Women have claimed the 2025 FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup title for the first time defeating Ireland in a shootout..
New Zealand set the tone of the match, applying early attacking pressure with Mezzy Surridge scoring her first international goal just six minutes into the game, assisted by Anna Willocks, to give the Kiwis a 1-0 lead.
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Ireland responded with an aggressive press, forcing numerous turnovers and earning themselves multiple penalty corners, but New Zealand’s defence, held firm.
The first quarter ended with both sides trading chances—Olivia Shannon came close with a quick shot, only for Ireland to counter immediately, testing New Zealand’s defence before the whistle blew.
The second quarter saw the Black Sticks continue to control possession, winning their first penalty corner after Emma Rainey forced an Irish defender into a foot foul. However, Ireland’s counterattack remained a threat.
Midway through the quarter, Hannah Cotter threaded a perfect pass to Olivia Shannon, setting up a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper, but Ayeisha McFerran in goal for the Irish came up with a crucial save.
New Zealand earned another penalty corner with two minutes left, but Kaitlin Cotter’s shot was blocked, and Casey Crowley’s follow-up went just wide.
Ireland dangerous in the third quarter, winning a penalty corner and finding the back of the net—only for the goal to be disallowed due to the shot being too high. Moments later, they earned two more penalty corners, but New Zealand’s defence stopped them from equalising.
The Black Sticks had a golden opportunity to double their lead when Holly Pearson found herself one-on-one with McFerran, but again the keeper denied New Zealand a second goal.
With four minutes remaining in the match, Ireland removed their goalkeeper for an extra attacking player in a desperate push for an equaliser. Their gamble paid off, as Katie Mullan slotted home a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner, tying the match at 1-1.
The closing moments were frantic from both teams—New Zealand won a penalty corner just 20 seconds after conceding, but Ireland’s defence held strong. Then, with three minutes to go, Mullan was shown a yellow card, leaving Ireland a player down. In the final seconds, Holly Pearson intercepted a loose pass in a dangerous position, and Olivia Shannon took one last crack at goal but was unable to succeed, sending the match into a shootout.
New Zealand took an early lead in the shootout with Anna Willocks and Olivia Shannon converting, while Ireland missed their first attempt. Ireland then equalised after Holly Pearson was denied, but Stephanie Dickens restored New Zealand’s lead with a clinical reverse sweep.
With Ireland hitting the post on their next attempt, it was Hannah Cotter who sealed the win for New Zealand, her shot confirmed after a referral, sparking celebrations as the Black Sticks were crowned 2025 FIH Nations Cup champions.
The final score was 1-1 with a 4-2 win in shootouts.
Earlier the Black Sticks defeated hosts, Chile 1-1 with a 3-1 win in the shootouts taking the team to their first Nations Cup final.
The win means the Black Sticks Women can re-enter the Pro League, Also confirmed is Holly Pearson was named Player of the Tournament.